A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Lost Ignition Key
Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
It is important to check every place you may have seen your ignition key. Retrace your steps and try to remember what you were doing the last time you were able to remember seeing the keys.
Replacing a car key that is old-fashioned is easy and cost-effective. A locksmith can create a new car key without the original. However, a technologically advanced key like a transponder, switchblade, or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.
1. Check the Ignition
There are a variety of reasons the car key won't turn on in the ignition. The first reason is that it might wear out. As time passes, the pins inside of the cylinder will wear out and stop it from turning. This is the main reason for people not being able to start their car.
Another possibility is that the key fob has a dead battery that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and can be done at home. try these out for your key fob, and test if it works in your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is an electronic component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch will not actually start the vehicle, it allows the engine to start.
When you turn the key in your ignition it forces tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key on your ignition, it pushes tumblers in a precise order and shuts off an ignition circuit that will then supply power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.
Modern cars have a new method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the head of the key. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder inside your ignition, it transmits an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code will trigger the engine's computer and allow the starter motor to turn over.
If your car uses transponder keys it is impossible to start it if the key fob battery fails. This is why it is always recommended to keep a spare key with you, just in the event of a problem! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can aid you in starting your vehicle if the key with a chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
When you are in a hurry or doing something else that requires your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. They are easily lost in the event of a mishap and can result in stress when it occurs. There are steps you can take to avoid panic and stress to locating your keys once more.
It is possible to think that traditional keys are outdated, but they are still available at your local auto dealer or locksmith. These are standard keys that lock your door and ignition, and also start the engine once you turn. You can also use them to open a trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the least expensive to replace and your local locksmith is likely cut a key while you are waiting.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings that include buttons to lock and unlock the car (and in some cases, activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys that are tucked inside. Fobs can be programmed by a locksmith in your area however, only after a new transponder chip and an additional transmitter are added to the key.
Most of us have been guilty of omitting our keys while in a rush or distracted. It's probably not a big deal when you forgot keys in your car in a subway, taxi, bus or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. However, if you lose them at home, or at work, you could put your belongings and your family's safety at risk.
Try your spare key first. It could be hidden in your home or bag, so it is worth doing a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from where you parked your car to your home or workplace.
Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database won't produce an appropriate key. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends replacing automotive locks with keys that are replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
You could have problems with your door locks if have trouble getting your car started. They could be unsecured or locked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, it is recommended to have a spare backup key that came with the car. The keys are usually kept in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also try an instrument such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without damaging the door locks or the ignition switch.
If the key fob is functioning, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery has died. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the batteries on the key fob and reprogram it if necessary.
Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break off inside the lock or the ignition cylinder. The wafers on the key might not be engaged properly making it difficult to turn the ignition.
A car key can also sometimes turn on or off when it is in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems.
When people are trying to start their car, they often pick the wrong key from their key table or ring. It can be a problem because some keys are very similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
You can fix this problem at home using a cotton swab that has been dipped in ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter off the surface of the key that could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If you're still having issues, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat, on the engine block's back or in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Contact a locksmith
It's scary to be locked out of your car especially at night. If you aren't sure where your keys are or if they have been lost or stolen, it is best to contact a locksmith.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor with specialized knowledge in everything related to locks and entry access. They are certified to install, uninstall and repair doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.
The majority of people in this situation try to save money and call their dealership to get a new set. This is usually a bad decision. Most dealerships will charge you much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it may take a while to obtain your keys.
It is possible to find locksmiths in the event of an emergency and ask them to unlock your lock or make an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will likely need to use it to decode the lock so they can create a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car's system, which means it won't be able to start until it is programmed to work with it.
If you have an transponder key locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle, then employ a specific device to reprogram the car's computer to be able to connect with the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Transponder keys are utilized in most cars nowadays. They utilize a tiny plastic key that has a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip can be damaged by water, heat and battery issues or any other cause. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle must be programmed to accept it. A reliable locksmith on the move will be able to do this for you, and also create keys that work well in the future.